Photomicrographic camera



- F. LUCAS PHOTOMI GEOGRAPHIC- CAMERA Filed NOV. 22, 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 12, 1925. 1,531,539

/ F. F. LUCAS PHO TOII CROGRAPHI C CAMERA Filed Nov. 22, 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented May 12, 1925,

UNITED. STATES runners unions, or EAST ORANGE, NEW JEB'sEr.

rnoromoaoenarmo CAMERA.

Application filed November 22, 1921. Serial No. 517,017. I

To all whom it may concern:

' Be it known that I, FRANCIS F. Lucas, a citizen of the United 'Statesof America, residing at East Orange, county of Essex, State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements. in Photomicrographic Cameras, of which the following is a specificationr Y This invention relatesto an observing and photographic appliance and an improve method of focusing and obtaining photographic reproductions with reference in particular' to its adaptation as a photomicrogra hic camera. A n object of a photomicrographic camera for attachment to the draw tube of a microscope; consisting of a clamping member; preferably a shutter; an extension tube; a light tight container capable of .holding for exposure a sensitized roll film or interchangeably a sensitized roll film and a sensitized plate, said light tight container being interchange able with a ground glass or equivalent screen containing member fitted with a light shield enabling observation and focusing of the image without the use of a focusing cloth. A further feature of this invention is to provide for taking photomicrographs on sensitized roll film; the film being held taut in a plane, preferably at right. angles to the optical axis so that no part of the film under exposure will be out of focus due to devia tions of the filni from such plane. i

A further object of this invention is to provide a photo-micrographic camera of simple construction and of light weight so that it may be supported by the draw-tubes of common forms of microscopes without ca'us: ing the focus of the-optical system to change after adjustment once has been made.

A further obj ect of the invention is to provide a photomicrographic camera supported by the draw tube of a microscope in such.

manner that mebhanically it becomes an in- 4 tegral part of the microscope and whereby extraneous vibration results in vibrating both the photomicrographic attachment and the microscope as a unit.

A further feature of this inventionis to provide a photomicrographic camera capable of rigid attachment to the draw tubes of common forms of microscopes suchthat thelongitudinal arrangement of the parts of the focusing ground glassand its mounttions respectively of t e focusing 'cessively focused objects to be photographed on a sensitized roll film or a sensitized 'plate under definitely comparable conditions without adjustment of the parts of the camera proper. Said objects may be photographed at the same settingof the microscope and photomicrographiccamera or at intervals of time as desired, notwithstanding that. the microscope and photomicrographic camera may have been dismantled in the meantime and later reassembled.

A further object of this invention is to provide a light tight container capable of 1 1 holding interchangeably for photographic this invention is to provide.

e lzposure a sensitized roll film or a sensitized p ate. i

Further features and dbjects of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detail description and the accompanying drawings, in-whichi Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a microscope provided" with my invention, the parts being shown at the stage of taking the exposure;

Fig. 2 is a detail front perspectiveview of the shutter and its short length tube;

Fig. 3 is a detail front-perspective view of the shutter and its long length tube;

-Fig. 4:,is a detail front perspective view tubes; Figs. 5 and 6 are respectively detail perspective views of one form of light-tight container for the sensitized medium and its cover; a 1 Figs. 7 and 8 are com arative front elevaround glass mounted .on the shutter tube an of the container mounted on the shutter tube; Fig. 7 is broken away to show the assembly of the groundglass disk and the parts of its tubes, whereas Fig. 8 'is broken away in central vertical elevation through the light-tight container-and also through the shutter and through the. parts for supporting and attaching my improved photomicrographic device to the microscope proper; Fig. 9 is a detail elevatlon, partly in vertical sectional view, showing the shutter and a simple form of eye-piece;

Fig. 10 is& detail pers ti've view of the clamping ring shown-in igs. 1 and 8;

Fig. '11 is-a detail per ective view. of a clip for a film spool; and ig. 12 isa detail perspective view of a ring;--

Fig. 13 is a perspective view on an enlarg'ed scale of the container shown in Figs.

, 6. and 8;

Fig. 14 is a central vertical sectional elevation of the container shown in Fig. 13, as used with a roll film but modified to accommod'ate either a sensitized plate or a Fig. is a central vertical sectional elevation'of the container shown in Fig. 14, as

. used with a sensitized plate a compensating eye-piece 8, as

v Fig. 16 is a bottom plan view of Fig. 14, the bottom of the container being partly broken away toshow otherwise hidden parts;

Referring to approved typethe adjustabl men 8130 be photographed is supported, and

further comprising the body tube 4, provided with suitable means for attachment of the objective 5 and the draw tube 6 telescoping with the body tube 4:.

Fursuant to my invention, 1 provide, as appears in assembly in'Figs. 1, 8 and 9, and in detail in Fig. 10, a clamping'ring 7 to be received onthe'terminal portion of the draw tube 6, and in which ring 7 is-placed the simple eye-piece 8 as appears in Fig. 9 or is indicated in Fig. 8.. Such clamping ring 7 comprises the annular portion v10 which is internally threaded at-11,"see Figs. 8 and 9, and also the radially slitted extension 12 having the clamping screw 13.

When a simple' eye-piece 8 is employed, the external threading of the short lower tube 14: of the shutter, see Fig. 2, is brought into mesh with theinternal threading 11 of the cla'm'pingring 10 and I provide the positioning ring 15, see Fig. 2 and 9, for engagement directly with the metal casing of the eye-piece is externally threaded to meshwith the internal threading of the lower tube length il l of the shutter, and is. flanged at 16 to extend laterally to abut the lower edge shutter tube 14.

Accordingly, uponplaoing the eye-piece a 8 within the ring 10 and thereupon securing the lower tube length 14 0f the shutter within the ring 10 until the ring 10 abuts tightly against the shutter 20 as shown at 11, Fig. 9, the ring 10 with the shutter. 20 attached thereto and enclosing the eye-piece 8, is located on the draw tube 6 by allowing the ing '11 of the clamping ring 10;

8. Such positioning ring 15- downwardly on the draw. tube, 6, of the micr0scope, until the head of the microscope draw tube 6 abuts the flanged extension of thecasing of the eye-piece, 8, and until the positioning ring 15, rests upon the top of the eye-piece in the position clearly shownat- 15*, Fig. 9-; whereupon the clamping screw, 13, of the clamping ring 10, is tightened. This adjustment of the parts insures that the eye-piece assumes its normal position with reference to the microscope draw tube 6 and it also insures that my improved observing or photographic appliance will assume a definite and exact position longitudinally with reference to a given combination of parts such as the draw tube, 6, and eye-piece 8. Moreover, it will be clearly seen that the parts may be dismantled and reassembled whereupon the same exact longitudinal arrangement of the parts will result.

While I have shown the use of an eyepiece, the eye-piece .may be omitted if de-' sired whereupon the positioning ring, 15, comes to rest upon the head of the microscope draw tube, 6, instead of upon the top of the eye-piece as shown at 15", Fig. 9.

When it is desired to use certain forms 01? eye-pieces such that the upper lens of the eye-piece is designed to project materially above the head of the microscope draw tube, a type of which is indicated at 9, acompensating ring 17 of suitablev dimensions isemployed, as is indicated in Fig. 8, such compensating ring 17 being internally threaded at its upper portion to mesh with the external threading of the tube length 14" of the shutter; the ring 17 is externally threaded to meslnwith the internal thread- It will be understood that all various yr s employed if desired and the compensating .ring selected v of an 'efi'ective length corresponding to the extent of projection of the eye-piece above the end'of the draw tube of the microscope.

. The shutter indicated at 20 is of any apof eye-pieces for microscopes may be be provided withthe long upper tube 22, as

is indicated in Fig. 3. Usually such short length tube 21 for commercial 'forms of microscopes and with a commonly used type of shutter, is of the length of three inches and the long tube 22 with a commonly used type'of shutter,"is of the length of eight inches, providing respectively for magnifi-' cation in the proportion of oneto two, the

images respectively being formedat dis;

tanoes of five and ten inches from the eyepiece. The absolute magnification, as will beunderstood by those skilled in the art, is

determined by the optical constants of the microscope.

In carrying out my invention, I prefer the use of a focusing ground glass and mounting tube therefor, as is indicated in external appearance in Fig. 4, and in detail construction in Fig. 7. Such ground glass "unit comprises the lower tube section 23 having the lowermost end portion 24 reduced to be received within the tube length 21 (or.22) of the shutter and to be held thereon. The ground glass disk 25 is suitably ,held between the lower tube section 23 and the upper tube section 26, as by roviding the expanded-annular portion 2 7, recessed annular'ly inivardly to receive the ground glass disk 25 and provided at its lower end with the threading 28 meshing with the threading 29 at the upper end of the lower tube section 23.

The effective upward extension of thetube length 26 is such that the image displayed on the ground glass 25 is, not naturally affected by indirect sunlight or by light from any other external source entering the tube length 26. I have found that a tube-length of about one and one-half inches for ordinary types of microscopes, has given excellent results; Such arrangement provides for viewing the image and for focusing without the use of a focusing cloth. The arrangement has also the advantage of allowing the observer to'use both eyes in the natural manner and in normal position. Furthermore, the arrangement has the particular advantage of allowing any number of persons to view the image at the same time, so that details of structure or other characteristics of the specimen under examination may be clearly seen or explained. In Fig. 7 I have indicated the ground glassand its associated tube lengths mounted on the shutter tube which in turn is mounted on the miscroscope, as is more fully indicated in Fig. 1, in which instance the image of the specimen 3 is'readily and definitely viewed with both eyes of; the, observer or may be viewed by two or more persons at the same time. It will be understood that the shutter in such circumstance has beenmoved to its open position.

After the proper image has been had by observation through the ground glass 25, the container 30, loaded either with a sensitized film or plate, is then positioned in replacement of the ground glass 25 and its mounting tubes 23, 26,-firstly by closing the shutter, and removing the ground-glass unit and then placing the containeri30 on the end of the shutter tube 21 (or 22), and thereafter opening (as shown in F ig. 1) the slides 39 of the container 30.

. The shutter 19 is then operated by means of its release 20', see Fig. 1, and the exposure thus carried out. The slide 39 is then closed, and the film wound forward for the next e'x comprises the back 32 removably secured to- Y the opposite ends 33, 34, of the body of the container 30, by the provision of the pair of pins 35 extending on the end 33 and taking within the pair of openings 36, 36 at the side of the cover 32 and by the provision of a spring finger 37 secured to the opposite end 34-and having a notch for receiving the locking lug 38 on the cover 32.

The container 30 is provided at its bottom with the'slide 39 for closing the container in light sealing relation when moved inwardly, and for opening the camera when moved outwardly, as is indicated in Fig. 1.

Within the container is provided the spacing frame 40 having a circular opening 42 which registers in position in its plane with a circular opening 41 in the bottom of the The contour of the spacing container. frame 40 provides within the casing 30 of the container for the compartment 43 for receiving the spool of the unexposed sensitized film roll and for the compartment 44 for receiving the spool on which the exposed film is wound. The stud shaft 45 for winding the film forward and for maintaining the film taut, in cooperation with a ratchet, is of the usual form. Preferably, the upper face of the frame 40 is lined with velvet 46 or equivalent, for light-tight engagement with the film. Similarly, the inner face of the cover 32 is lined with velvet or equivalent, as is indicated at 47 but with a circular opening 48 of an area corresponding to the opening 42 of the spacing frame 40 and positioned in register therewith, as is indicated in Fig. 8, whereby the film is held securely and in light-tight relation between the two velvet surfaces excepting for the area in alignment with the openings 41,42, where the film is thus maintained in a plane at right angles to the optical axis of the microscope and the photomicrographic attachment.

The bottom of the camera proper 30 is equipped with the short tube length 52, as.

is shown in Fig. 8, to be received within the shutter tube length 21 (or 22).

The peep hole 53, fitted with the usual red transparent material such as celluloid, is provided for the purpose of observing the markings on the protective paper of the film, I

according to'common practice.

The-preferred form of the container 30 is shown in Figs. 13 to19 inclusive. On the inner face of the cover 32I omit the velvet lining 47 shown in Fig. 6, and inv lieu thereof,-I substitute the compensating guide and compression member .55 comprising the guide plate 56 having the rearwardly extending, oppositely disposed spring feet'57, respectively provided with the elongated slots 58 through which extends the headed studs 59, the rearwardends 60, 60 of which are riveted to the rear cover 32, as by riveting the ends 60, 60 to the ring 61 ofthe" angles to the optical axis of the microscope.

and associated photomicrographic attachment.

As will be noted in Figs. 19 and 14, such guide lugs 62 extend beyond the plane of the guide plate 56 to be effective in receiving preferably of the construction shown. in Fig.

and guiding the edges of the exposed and unexposed portions of the film, respectively anterior of and posterior of the exposure opening 42. The clip 63 for holding the spool of the sensitized film roll may be of the construction 63 shown in Fig. 11 but is 17. In Fig. 11' the clip 63 comprises the vertically extending portion 64 having the oppositely disposed spring ends 65,66 bent angularly inwardly at 67 68' and provided with" the openings 69, 70 for receiving the ends of the shaft of the film. spool. The

inwardly bent portions 67, 68v frictionally.

engage the opposite end disks of the film .spool to brake the spool when the film is being drawn forward to the winding-up spool and to hold taut in "horizontal plane the portion of the film between the spools.

In the preferred form as shown in Fig. 17, the clip 63 comprises the vertically extendingplate 71 which is slitted at 72, 7 3 to provide the curved tongue 74, to facilitate re-' moval of the-clip 63 from the container 30. The ends 75,- 76,,of the clip 63 are cut out respectively at 77, 78 to provide the'tongues 79, 80 respectively bent inwardly, and preferably eurvedly, which tongues 79, 80 make frictional engagement with the disks. of the film' spool, to brake'the same, similarly as above; The' perforations 69, receive the .end studs of the film spool. Such clips 63,

63 are preferably formed of spring metal --and stamped of the form and arrangement shown in Fi .11 and 17 thereby providing for reversib e use'of the clips either for the winding-on. spool or the reeling-off spool.'

' When it is desired to subjecta sensitized plate to exposure in lieu of a sensitized film, the holding plate 47, as indicated 'in Fig. 18

fie-employed, and positioned .in advance of the compensating ide and compression member 55, as is indiizated in-Fig. 15. The M sensitized plate isindicated in Fig. 15 at 81. It will be'noted that the container30 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 14,15'and 16 is '70 -of increased height as compared-withthe form shown in Figs. 5, 6. 'and 8, to provide f for theiadditional space occupied by the compensating guide and compression mem-.'

ber 56 and its spring feet 57, and to maintain the position of the portion of the film or of the plate to be exposed.

4 When it is desired. to use a sensitized plate in lieu of a sensitized film I provide a holding plate 47 of metal or other suitable material, and provided on the, downward face with the oppositely positioned and guide clips 48, 49.. Such clips 48, 49ampreferablyslitted at 50 and bent toward the I holding plate 47 to frictionally engage the sensitized plate when inserted,within the guide clips .48, 49. The guides 48, 49 are also provided with the projections 5-1 (one only shown in Fig. 18) for limiting the extentof insertion of the sensitized plate within the clips 48, 49. i a

y The plate 47 when placed ,in-the container 30, i s held in proper position by the spring lugs 62 as is indicated'inFig. 15, and when thus positioned the, peep hole 53 and the opening 56 in the plate 56 is closed, to pro tect the sensitized plate.

It will be noted that the 81a. 39 functions in contact with the paclkin g39 of-velvet' 100- or thelike to proviide' for a light-tight seal and facilitates the movement of the slide 39 to its closed and open positions so that the optical adjustmentof the parts is not disturbed. .Thetravel and position of the'slide 39 is regulated by the pin 39'}, as is indicated in Figs. 5, 14, 15'and 16. v

' From the detail description set forth hereinabove, the construction andoperation of my invention will be largely understood, and j" 9 it a general summary of the manner of. using the same is deemedto be sufiici'ent.

Upon proper adjustments of the parts-of I the microscope in the usual manner to obtain the magnified image of the desired por-' ti'onof the specimen by obs'ervation through my ground glass 'un t assembled on microscope as shown in Fig. 7, the, ground glass unit is then taken off and the container substituted in the place of the ground glass unit asshown in Fig. 8, and theexposure is made either for a'film or alate as desired.

It will be noted that Figs. and 8 are ar- I ranged for direct comparison with one an-' other, the upper edge of the tube length 21 of the shutter being in the same plane in both Figs. 7 and 8 and the ground glass disk 25 being in the same elfective plane as the portion 83 of the fihn'under exposure.

Upon desiring a further exposureifofa difierent portion of the same specimen or of a different specimen, and for either the same .or different magnification, the container is removed from the shutter unit and the ground glass unit replaced on the shutter unit for observing and focusing the image, whereupon the container is again resubstituted for the ground glass unit and reproduction of the same or directly computable proportions thereby affording mathematically exact comparison between the dimensions of the derived photographic re roductions.

t will be further noted that with the use of my invention, the respective parts are assembled with exactitude and certainty and without relying upon the judgment of the operator.

M invention, as has been noted above, is a apted for all approved types of microsco es, including the use of compensating an special eye-pieces as well as simple or the usual forms of eye-pieces, and for the use of films and plates as the sensitized media.

It will be understood that my improved apparatus and improved method of focusing and taking exposures is applicable for use with telescopes and "other types and forms of optical devices for photographic re roduction.

e method of photography described herein forms the su iect matter ofmy copending agplication Serial No. 683,290 filed by me on ecember 29th, 1923, The optical image deriving attachment and associated parts described herein forms the subject matter of my copending ap lication Serial Nt; 683,289, filed by me on ecember'29th, 19 3.

Whereas I have described my invention by reference to specific forms thereof it will be understood that many changes and modifications may be made without departing I from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A container for enclosing sensitized medium comprising a compartment for the sensitized medium under exposure, said compartment having an opening, a slide for closing said opening of said container, a cover for said container, means disposed adjacent said cover for supporting a sensitized film medium, means disposed in said compartment for support ng a sensitized plate medium and means including a. substantially flat plate provided with an open- ,ing for locating the position of the sensitized film medium and the sensitized plate mediumwhen in exposed position.

- 2. A container for enclosing sensitized medium comprising a compartment for the sensitized medium under exposure, said compartment having an opening, a slide for closing said opening of said container, a cover for said container and self-adjusting, yielding means disposed in said compartment and including a substantially flat plate provided with an opening for locating the position of the sensitized medium in the form of a film and in the form of a plate when in exposed position.

3. A container for enclosing sensitized medium comprising a compartment for the sensitized medium under exposure, said compartment having an opening, a slide for closing said opening of said container, a cover for said container, a plate for guiding the sensitized medium and resilient mounting for said'plate, and means disposed adjacent said cover for supporting said sensitized medium.

4. A container for enclosing sensitizedmedium comprising a compartment for the sensitized medium under exposure, said compartment having an opening, a slide for closing said opening of said container, a cover for said container, a plate having forwardly extending guide lugs, and means for resiliently mounting said plate on said cover and means disposed adjacent said cover for supporting said sensitized medium.

5. A sensitized film holder having an opening, means surrounding said opening for light-tight attachment to an optical image-forming device, uniplanar means for en a ement with portions of said film for ho ding said portions of the film taut, said uniplanar means being recessed in register wit said opening to provide self-positioning of said sensitized film with the opticall exposed portion thereof in register with sai opening.

6. A sensitized film holder having an openin means surrounding said openin for lig t-tight attachment to an opticad image forming device, uniplanar means for en a ement with portions of said film for ho dlng said portions of the film taut, said uniplanar means being recessed in register with said open' to rovide self-positioning of said sensitized withthe optical] exposed portion thereof in register wit said openin and means for yieldingly mounting said uniplanar means within said holder.

7. A sensitized film holder having an o ning, means surrounding said openin for light-tight attachment to an optica image forming device, uniplanar means for en agement with portions of said film for holding said portions of the film taut, said uniplanar means being recessed in register with said opening to provide self-positioning of said sensitized film with the optically exposed portion thereof in register with said opening, guides carried by said uniplanar means and means for yieldingly mounting said uniplanar means within said holder.

8. A sensitized film holder having an opening, means surrounding, said openin for light-tight attachment to. an optica image forming device, uniplanar means for en agement with portions of said film for ho ding said portions of the film taut, said uniplanar means being recessed in register with said'opening to provide self-positioning of said sensitized film, with the opticallyexposed portion thereof in register with said opening, a slide for opening and closing said opening, a soft uniplanar material engaging the face of the sensitized film opposite to the face engaged'by the uni-planar means, oppositely disposed pairs of guide flanges for engagement with the opposite edgesvof said sensitized film, resilient legs for said uni-planar means, said resilient le being provided with longitudinally exten closing said opening, a cover for said container, a plate arranged to contact over a relatively wide area with one (face of the sensitized medium disposed in said compartment, said plate having an opening in register with said opening of said compartment, means :for resiliently supporting said plate on said cover and means for engaging the opposite face of the sensitized medium.

10. A container for enclosing a sensitized film medium comprising a compartment for the sensitized medium under exposure, said compartment having an opening for lighttight attachment to an optical image forming device, a plate arranged in said compartment for engagement from one edge of the film to the opposite edge on one face of the sensitized medium, said plate having an opening registering with said opening of said compartment, a slide for closing said opening of said compartment, a cover for said container and means for engaging the opposite face of the sensitized medium.

11. A container for enclosing a sensitized film medium comprising acompartment for the sensitized medium. under exposure, said compartment having an opening for light-tight attachment to an optical image forming device, a plate arranged "in said compartment for engagement from one edge of the film to the opposite edge on one face of the sensitized medium, said plate having an opening registering with said opening of said compartment, a slide for closing said opening .of said compartment, a cover for said container and resilient means for eflecting engagement under pressure by said plate Evith the opposite face of the sensitized meium.

In testimony whereof l have signed this specification this 18th day of November 1921.

FRANCIS F. LUCAS. 

